Community feedback needed on Council's Economic Development Strategy
Published on 14 December 2018
14 December 2018
Whanganui District Council wants your input on its proposed Economic Development Strategy.
The strategy sets a 10-year vision for Whanganui to be vibrant, prosperous and rich with opportunities based on retaining, growing and attracting business.
Five priorities are identified in the strategy as drivers for the district’s development potential through to 2028 and beyond. These include a transport and freight gateway, training and development, agricultural development, food and innovation, and tourism (with Whanganui River as a central theme).
Mayor Hamish McDouall says the proposed strategy establishes a vision for Whanganui to “build on what we already have” over the next decade, but it will need feedback from the community.
“Now we have the bones of the strategy, we want to tap into the knowledge of the local community to tell us what’s good and what can be improved,” Mayor McDouall says.
“Our small city has made an impression around Aotearoa and overseas with its arts scene, heritage, cultural diversity and relatively inexpensive living. This strategy is an opportunity to find out where we’re going and what we have the potential to achieve.
“I felt a sense of momentum and excitement at the recent Whanganui Chamber of Commerce and Industry Regional Business Awards where new ventures and innovations as well as long-standing businesses were celebrated and there was a real impression of increased business confidence,” he says.
The Council’s Policy and Governance Manager, Stephanie Macdonald-Rose, says the proposed strategy strengthens past planning initiatives and refines the purpose of what the Council and its economic development arm, Whanganui & Partners, can achieve.
“This strategy leverages off a period of positive growth for Whanganui – our population has increased and employment numbers are growing. There is a renewed sense of optimism in our district.
“Since the last Economic Development Strategy there’s been sustained growth in the number of businesses choosing to open or relocate to Whanganui, and more accurate databases are also being established to better support our existing businesses,” she says.
Myles Fothergill, Chair of Whanganui & Partners, says one of the biggest assets Whanganui now has is its excellent national – and increasingly international – reputation and brand on which long-term prosperity can be built.
"A buoyant economic climate with positive growth across all sectors provides a fantastic platform for Whanganui District Council’s new Economic Development Strategy and future planning,” he says.
“We have a solid and focused Council with great leadership that positions Whanganui perfectly to take advantage of the opportunities that surround us.
"Our city and district need to get the very best out of this process, so it’s vital that we all use the opportunity between now and the beginning of March 2019 to let the Council know what the community wants for Whanganui.”
The consultation period for the proposed Economic Development Strategy begins on Friday, 14 December 2018, and is open for public submissions until 5.00pm on Friday, 1 March 2019.
To make a submission please visit www.whanganui.govt.nz/haveyoursay to view the document and complete the online form. Alternatively, copies of the proposed Economic Development Strategy and submission form are available at the Council’s temporary Customer Services area at 179 St Hill Street, Whanganui & Partners’ office (also at 179 St Hill Street) and Council libraries.
ENDS